Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has been confirmed as the headline act for the newly launched Talanta East Afrika Festival, a regional cultural showcase scheduled to tour three East African cities in May 2026.
The Jamaican star, whose music is enjoyed by a strong following in Kenya and across the region, will lead the festival lineup as it makes stops in Kampala, Kigali and Nairobi.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a press conference held in Nairobi, where organisers unveiled plans for the inaugural regional event.
According to the organisers, the Talanta East Afrika Festival is designed as a cross-border cultural platform aimed at celebrating East Africa’s music, fashion, cuisine and artistic expression, while positioning the region as an emerging force in the global live entertainment industry.
The tour will begin on May 1, 2026, in Kampala at Lugogo Cricket Oval, followed by a performance in Kigali on May 2, 2026, at BK Arena.
The final leg of the festival will take place on May 8, 2026, in Nairobi at Laureate Gardens, Kasarani.
Kenyan music star and celebrity Charisma has also been confirmed among the performers expected to appear at the festival, with additional East African artists set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Speaking during the launch, Bushington of Tunez Records Uganda said the festival goes beyond entertainment, describing it as a platform created to unite East Africans through music, culture and shared identity.
He noted that the event also aims to showcase the region’s creative energy to international audiences.
Co-organiser Mayanja Jackson explained that the festival has been structured as a long-term cultural movement rather than a one-off event.
He said the goal is to build a sustainable regional platform that consistently elevates East African creativity while strengthening cross-border cultural exchange.
The organisers revealed that the festival will primarily target audiences aged between 18 and 35, with extensive promotion expected across social media platforms ahead of the May tour.
Beyond music and entertainment, the initiative is also expected to stimulate tourism and generate economic opportunities in the host cities, particularly in sectors such as fashion, food, hospitality and nightlife.
They further confirmed that 100% of the festival workforce in each country will be sourced locally, as part of efforts to support local talent and employment.
Tickets for the festival will be available online starting Monday, 9,March 2026 , with organisers expected to release additional performance announcements in the coming weeks.
